Alberta voters reject future independence referendum

Alberta voters rejected holding a future referendum on independence while backing proposals to seek more provincial powers and greater control over immigration, results that drew responses from political leaders and independence advocates in Quebec and Alberta. About three-quarters of voters supported keeping Alberta in Canada, according to reported referendum results. Voters also backed negotiations with other provinces to seek additional federal powers. The immigration questions appeared to receive support as well, but their results were still unofficial Wednesday as ballots were being tallied, one account said. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has said the immigration results would allow the province to take greater control over immigration, stabilize population growth and prioritize Albertans for jobs. Prime Minister Mark Carney said he had spoken with Smith and wanted to work with provinces on immigration. He said finding solutions was a shared responsibility. Avnish Nanda, spokesperson for the group Our Alberta Advantage, said the immigration results could make Alberta less attractive to skilled newcomers, including engineers, doctors and entrepreneurs. The group opposed...